Medicaid expansion in Kansas is off the table — at least for the time being, reports The New York Times.
Here are five things to know.
1. On March 30, Republican Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed a bill to expand the state's Medicaid program under the ACA. The bill had previously passed the state's House and Senate.
2. On Monday, the state House voted 81-44 to uphold the governor's veto, according to the report. Three additional votes were necessary to override the veto.
3. If Medicaid were expanded in Kansas, it would cover an additional 150,000 low-income people.
4. Kansas lawmakers in favor of Medicaid expansion have claimed it could benefit people's lives as well as rural hospitals, reports NYT.
"We have the ability to help people who truly need it the most," Rep. Cindy Holscher, D-Olathe, said in the report. "We have the ability to make a decision ... that will save lives — not just one, but potentially thousands."
Rep. Susan Concannon, R-Beloit, added: "What we know most of all is that if we do this, it will prevent closures of hospitals."
5. However, those who are against Kansas expanding Medicaid expressed concerns about potential costs to the state and how possible repeal of the ACA could affect those costs, reports NYT. According to the report, Gov. Brownback also wanted the Medicaid expansion bill to include a work requirement for those who would gain coverage.